Mount Rainier with Kids: 11 Activities
Going to Mount Rainier with kids? You’re in for a treat, because Mount Rainier is a fantastic place to spend time exploring with little ones! We live 2 hours from Mount Rainier and have visited countless times, and in every single season. Read on for more about my favorite kid-friendly activities at Mount Rainier.
When to visit Mount Rainier with kids
Mount Rainier is only fully open for a few short months of the year. Generally, the entirety of the park is accessible from early July through late September or early October. Paradise area is open year-round with occasional road closures for snow.
While Mount Rainier has something to offer in every season, I think it shines the most in summer. If you’re planning a trip, I’d plan for mid-July to mid-August. That will give you the best chance of seeing wildflowers and having trails mostly accessible.
To read about ideas for what to do visiting for a day in each season, check out my post about the best Mount Rainier day trip in every season.
Weather at Mount Rainier
If you’re going in the peak summer months, you can generally expect warm temperatures during the day. Temperatures are usually in the 60s and occasionally 70s. However, mountain climates are unpredictable and you should always pack layers while exploring.
Mount Rainier areas to visit
Mount Rainier area is expansive. Depending on how much time you have, you may want to focus on just one area. The main areas are Longmire, Paradise, Carbon River, and Sunrise within the park. Note: the Carbon River area is closed indefinitely due to the bridge failure on the only road that takes you there.
There are also excellent hikes to explore outside the main park with great views of the mountain. If I were picking just one spot I’d probably focus on Paradise due to the variety of great kid-friendly activities.
Note that areas of Mount Rainier are subject to timed entry permits. In 2024, Paradise and Sunrise entrances both required timed entry permits. In 2025, Sunrise required timed entry permits. It is likely both of these areas will require timed entry permits in future peak seasons.
Mount Rainier with kids: hikes and activities
One of the best things about Mount Rainier is that there are many shorter, easier hikes that are family friendly. Here are some of my favorite activities at Mount Rainier with kids! And I can promise you, I have recommendations that you have never heard of.
Snow and Bench Lakes
- Location: Stevens Canyon. Close to Paradise area
- Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 610 feet
Snow and Bench Lakes are a fantastic kid-friendly hike at Mount Rainier. It’s short with minimal elevation gain, and you end up at two beautiful lakes. I personally love hiking to lakes with kids, because kids universally love playing in water. It makes it easier to motivate little ones on the trail when you have a reward like a lake at the end.
Pinnacle Saddle
- Location: Stevens Canyon. Close to Paradise.
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,000 feet
I don’t know why this hike isn’t mentioned more. It is amazing how quiet it is compared to the business at Paradise and Sunrise, and it’s a beautiful trail. I’ve hiked it for sunrise and it was absolutely magical in the late summer. I also hiked it at the end of July and the wildflowers were stunning. On a clear day, you can see Mount St. Helens and Mt. Adams too!
Faraway Rock Hike
- Location: Stevens Canyon, close to Paradise.
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 300 feet
This easy hike is perfect for the littlest of kids! You’ll pass through a forest to reach a lookout point with views over Louise Lake. The top is a great spot for a snack or lunch, but make sure you keep hands on little ones because there is a drop off.
Swim at Louise Lake
Many places in the park are not swim-friendly but Louise Lake IS! It’s also easily accessible, at a less than five minute walk from the road to reach a sandy beach. The waters are even warm in peak summer, and they’re turquoise. This is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch and water play when you’re at Mount Rainier with kids. It’s perfect to combine with Faraway Rock hike!
Dege Peak
- Location: Sunrise
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation: 600 feet
Dege Peak is underrated. Most people at Sunrise flock to the Fremont Lookout, but Dege Peak is really great too (and easier when hiking with kids at Mount Rainier). You will escape the crowds and get epic views of the mountain and surrounding areas including sunrise ridge and surrounding lakes. In July and August there are spectacular wildflowers, too.
Comet Falls
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 1250 feet
- Location: Longmire
This is the perfect spot for a rainy day or gloomy day at Mount Rainier with kids. This is because the focus isn’t mountain views, but enjoying a gorgeous turquoise river and impressive waterfalls! Save this for a day you want to head to the park and the weather is a little questionable.
Enjoy roadside stops
If you want to enjoy the beauty but don’t want to hike much, there are several gorgeous roadside stops you can make to enjoy views!
- Narada Falls: Parking lot is a quick walk from the falls themselves and located near the Stevens Canyon road. Best earlier in the season when the falls will be more full!
- Christine Falls: Another roadside stop for a small waterfall
- Reflection Lakes: When the weather and time is right, you can even see a reflection of Mount Rainier in this beautiful lake.
- Paradise area for a picnic: there is a big picnic area near the Paradise side of the mountain, complete with tables, grilling areas, and bathrooms. Enjoy a lunch here and then wander up to the Paradise entrance (a few minutes away!)
- Sunrise Ridge: Park at the Sunrise Ridge area and watch the sun rise on the mountain! Bring a hot cup of coffee or tea and enjoy.
Sun Top Lookout
This is another AWESOME spot for families who may not want to hike at Mount Rainier with kids. While there is a 2 mile roundtrip hike you can do to reach the lookout, you can also drive all the way to the top. Bring a picnic, because there are tables, and enjoy the views of the mountain. The lookout may even be staffed when you go!
Note that the road to get here is gnarly, but I saw sedans in the parking lot too, so it will depend on your willingness to be rugged with your car. This spot is especially excellent for golden hour.
Panorama Point
- Location: Paradise
- Distance: 3.9
- Elevation gain: 1,325 feet
Panorama Point trail is part of the Skyline Loop, but in making it an out-and-back instead of a loop, you cut back on the distance. You’ll get the best of the trail, including incredible up-close views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh mountain range.
Naches Peak Loop
- Location: Chinook Pass area. In terms of the main areas of Mount Rainier, it’s closest to the Sunrise area.
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
Naches Peak Loop is probably the most classic kid-friendly hike in the Mount Rainier area. It’s popular for good reason. The wildflowers in the summer here are unbelievable (you may see many professional photo shoots here if you got at golden hour). The views of Mount Rainier are wonderful. In the fall, the shrubs put on a great show of red. I’ve hiked this trail 6 or 7 times. My favorites were when I did it at golden hour in wildflower season, and the fall excursion. This hike really has an incredible value for the effort. Note that parking can be a zoo, especially if you go on a summer weekend during peak hours.
Stop for ice cream and a coffee at Whittaker’s Bunkhouse
If you’re coming back via Ashford, be sure to stop for an ice cream or a coffee at Whittaker’s Bunkhouse. Their huckleberry ice cream is such a special and unique flavor and delightful after a day of adventures. They also have nice seating both outdoors on the grass and inside the cafe so it’s a good stop no matter what the weather is.
What to pack for Mount Rainier with kids
Here are some key pieces of gear I use going to Mount Rainier with my family:
- Child carrier: essential! The weight limit is about 40 pounds.
- Soft sided child carrier for shorter trails
- Hiking poles for balance and saving your joints
- Sun hoodies for mom and child
- Picnic blanket
- Sun hat for mom and child
- Kids’ hiking shoe
- Wet bag for wet clothes
- Mineral sunscreen
Final thoughts on Mount Rainier with kids
Mount Rainier is an incredible destination to visit with kids. There’s something for everyone, and plenty of beautiful areas that are easy to explore with little ones. Let me know if you have any questions, and have a wonderful visit!
